Bourns 3296Z-1-203LF Trimmer Potentiometer: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bourns 3296Z-1-203LF is a 20 kOhm, 0.5W through-hole trimmer potentiometer with PC pin termination and side adjustment capability. This component is part of the Trimpot® 3296 sealed series and maintains active product status. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical specifications, mechanical compatibility, and regulatory compliance align with the original design requirements.

Substiute Parts

3296Z-1-203LF

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 10623296Z-1-203LF Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CT-94EZ203

Nidec Components CorporationIn Stock: 1249CT-94EZ203 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3296Z-1-203LF is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Electrical Match: Resistance value (20 kOhms), power rating (0.5W), tolerance (±10%), and temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C) must be identical
• Material Specification: Resistive material must be Cermet
• Mechanical Compatibility: Through-hole mounting with PC pin termination and side adjustment capability required
• Regulatory Compliance: RoHS3 compliance mandatory for substitution consideration

The Nidec Components Corporation CT-94EZ203 meets all electrical and material requirements. Dimensional variation (0.378" x 0.189" versus 0.395" x 0.190") falls within acceptable tolerance for PC board layout compatibility in standard through-hole applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part: Bourns 3296Z-1-203LF remains the specified component with 25-turn adjustment resolution and established supply availability (955 pcs in stock).

Substitute Part: Nidec CT-94EZ203 qualifies as an equivalent substitute based on matching electrical specifications, material composition, and RoHS3 compliance. The 18-turn adjustment mechanism provides reduced resolution compared to the primary part but maintains functional equivalence for applications where adjustment granularity is not a critical design parameter. Dimensional similarity supports direct PCB footprint compatibility. Higher inventory availability (1220 pcs) may support supply chain continuity.

Both components carry active product status and meet ECCN EAR99 and HTSUS 8533.40.8050 classifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Nidec CT-94EZ203 replace the Bourns 3296Z-1-203LF in all applications?

A: Electrical and material specifications are identical. The primary difference is adjustment resolution: 25 turns versus 18 turns. Applications requiring fine-tuning capability may experience reduced adjustment precision with the substitute part.

Q: Are there dimensional compatibility concerns?

A: Face dimensions differ slightly (0.395" x 0.190" versus 0.378" x 0.189"). Both components use PC pin termination and through-hole mounting. Standard PCB layout tolerances accommodate this variation.

Q: What is the significance of the turn count difference?

A: The 3296Z-1-203LF provides 25 adjustment turns; the CT-94EZ203 provides 18 turns. This affects adjustment resolution and speed of tuning but does not alter electrical performance or final resistance value.

Q: Are both parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. Both the Bourns 3296Z-1-203LF and Nidec CT-94EZ203 carry ROHS3 Compliant status.

Q: What packaging differences exist?

A: The Bourns part is supplied in Tube packaging; the Nidec substitute is supplied in Bulk packaging. This affects handling and storage but not component performance.